12/03/2009

Death Threat Rapist Jailed

A man who threatened to kill his victim has been jailed for raping the 45-year-old woman in Wigan.

Daniel Ellis, 20, of Severn Road, Wigan, was given an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection at Liverpool Crown court, (pictured). He was told he must serve a minimum of three years and four months before being eligible for parole.

Ellis had pleaded guilty for raping the woman at an earlier hearing.

His victim was at home alone in the early hours of Saturday 19 October, 2008, when she was woken by knocking at the front door.

She went downstairs in her pyjamas to answer the door and recognised the caller as someone she knew.

Ellis pushed his way into the hallway, put his hands round his victim's throat and they began to struggle.

He walked into the living room, demanded sex and grabbed hold of her again. She tried to fight him off, but he pushed her to the floor, threatening to strangle her if she resisted.

The victim contacted police immediately after the incident and Ellis was arrested close to the scene.

Det Con Jackie Hulme, of Wigan CID, said: "Ellis preyed on this woman he knew, knowing she would be alone.

"He used violence, threatened to kill her and put her through a truly terrifying experience.

"I hope his victim finds some comfort that he now faces a long time behind bars for the distress and trauma Ellis put her through."

(JM/BMcC)

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